Ho`ike December 2024

Ministry Memories of Jay Warren

I began working for the Arizona Conference on January 1, 2004. This was my first real full-time job, and I was hired as the Literature Ministries director. My primary responsibility was to launch student colporteur programs, both for the academy and summer sessions.

Being new to the conference and from out of state, I didn’t know anyone initially. I quickly started meeting people in the office and building relationships. I was grateful that our annual workers’ meetings were scheduled soon after I arrived. This was a time when all the pastors came together for department updates and additional training on relevant topics. It provided the perfect opportunity for me to introduce myself and share the vision for our new program.

The evening before our meetings began, I was staying in the boys’ dorm at the academy while searching for permanent housing. While walking down the hall, I met a pastor who seemed fairly young, which excited me, as most pastors in the conference appeared to be older. Little did I know that this pastor, Elder Jay Warren, would grow to become a close friend and ministry partner.

Over the next 11 years, we spent a great deal of time in ministry together. My role eventually shifted to include responsibilities in the youth department. Pastor Jay was always a strong supporter of youth ministries. He attended nearly all our events and often was part of our planning committees. We organized events such as youth retreats, academy vespers, sprint triathlons, youth camp meetings, extreme home makeovers, and summer camps— where he served as one of the camp pastors and his wife, Dee Dee, was camp nurse.

Pastor Jay was one of the most genuinely kind and active pastors I had ever met—truly the real deal! Our ministry connection and friendship grew so strong that my wife and I decided to name our youngest son partly in his honor. Combining the names of two pastor friends, we welcomed Jaben into our family.

After my family relocated to Hawaii, Pastor Jay and I stayed in touch. Our conversations often ended with me asking if he was ready to move to Hawaii, and his answer was typically a firm no. He was in his dream role as the academy pastor, having recently completed a new church building and with a growing congregation. He was teaching Bible and aviation ground school classes and loved what he was doing.

A few years later, when a devastating fire struck Paradise, California, I gathered a team to support their community, including Pastor Jay. We spent time setting up large military tents, repairing RVs, and working on sewer and plumbing lines to establish a makeshift RV park in a farmer’s field. It was great to be back in ministry together.

As our time there wound down, we found ourselves one night in an RV, eating cheap microwaveable meals and reminiscing. I asked my usual question, “Are you ready to move to Hawaii?” To my surprise, he said yes, feeling that a change might benefit his ministry.

I was overjoyed and couldn’t wait to recommend him to Elder Watts when a position opened up. Shortly after, Jay accepted the pastoral role at the Aiea church, where he served for three years. He later transitioned to serve as the ministerial director, executive secretary, and Hauula church pastor. He has preached weekly throughout the conference, mentored young pastors, led pastor meetings, assisted with pastoral placements, and so much more. He became a vital contributor to the conference and a trusted leader.

Then, everything changed. In early September, Jay walked into my office and asked if I had read his email. I had been away on vacation and hadn’t seen it yet. When I glanced at the subject line—*Notice of Retirement*—a lump formed in my throat.

Jay had been my right-hand man, alongside our treasurer, Benjamin Supit. We spent countless hours together in the office, in board meetings, and traveling to churches across Hawaii, doing ministry side by side. We’ve shared moments of laughter, deep conversations, and prayers for the church’s work. Although not related by blood, Jay feels like a brother to me.

I went over to him and gave him a hug. I told him I was excited for his retirement and assured him we’d be OK. I will miss hearing him answer the phone with, “What’s up, brother?” whenever I have a problem to sort out. But I’m comforted, knowing, as Proverbs 18:24 says, that we have a friend “who sticks closer than a brother,” and that friend is Jesus. He is the one that we both have always turned to and will always be by our sides.

Our church has been blessed to have such a wonderful pastoral couple as Jay and Dee Dee, who have given over 30 years of their lives to this ministry. I know Pastor Jay will be one of the many to hear the words of the Master, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

We’re excited for the Warrens as they retire to Texas to spend time with their aging family. We will forever cherish the precious memories of our ministry together. A hui hou, and may God richly bless you, brother.

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By Erik VanDenburgh, President

Hawaiian Mission Academy Hosts Academy Day

Every year, Hawaiian Mission Academy (HMA) hosts an inspiring Academy Day weekend, welcoming eighth-grade students from across the Hawaiian Islands to experience the heart and mission of HMA. This special weekend brings students together at Camp Waianae from Friday afternoon through Sunday, where they engage in team-building activities, strengthen their connection with Christ, and form friendships that will last a lifetime.

The weekend is thoughtfully planned and led by a dedicated team of HMA high school students who eagerly organize activities and share their school experiences with prospective eighth graders. For HMA students, this event is more than a chance to lead and problem-solve; it’s a cherished opportunity to demonstrate the vibrant, faith-based community that awaits at HMA. Each year, students leave inspired and eager to participate again, knowing they have played a role in welcoming others into a Christ-centered community.

This year, we were blessed to have Pastor Ivan Ostrovsky, our new Hawaii Conference youth director, along with the pastoral intern team, to lead worship and spiritual activities. Their Sabbath morning worship service, themed “I Can,” encouraged students with the message, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV). Pastor Ivan shared powerful personal stories to remind students that with God, anything is possible.

On Monday, the experience continued on HMA’s campus, where students visited classrooms, joined high school students for an all-school chapel, and lifted their voices in praise. Pastor Ivan closed the weekend with an uplifting reminder that God is always by their side. While Academy Day provides an immersive preview of life at HMA, its greater purpose is to build a supportive, Christ-centered community where students uplift one another and look forward together to Christ’s soon return.

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By Sara Baroro

Retirements in the Hawaii Conference

As the year comes to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to three individuals who will be concluding their time with us at the Hawaii Conference: Pastor Jay Warren, Madonna Taueu, and Norma Galiza.

 

Madonna Taueu

Caring for our keiki truly takes a village, and it requires tremendous patience, love, and dedication. Since 2015, Madonna Taueu has taken on this responsibility with great care, not only embracing it with love and aloha, but also consistently making time in her busy schedule to ensure that our children were ministered to and shown the love of Jesus. The Hawaii Conference Children’s Department has been richly blessed by the many years of events she created and led—events that provided our children with meaningful experiences, spiritual growth, and fun memories. However, it’s not just the programs Madonna organized that have made an impact; it’s the way she has chosen to live her life with kindness, faithfulness, and Christ-like love. She has shown our keiki the most valuable lesson through her example. Though we will greatly miss Madonna’s leadership in children’s ministry, we are confident that God has more in store for her and look forward to witnessing how He continues to use her in the future.

 

Norma Galiza 

Since stepping into ministry in 1991, Norma Galiza has poured her heart and soul into the Hawaii Conference, blessing us all with her love and aloha. As we reflect on her decades of service, we are reminded of the countless lives she has touched—whether through her involvement in women’s ministries or her role assisting the presidents of the Hawaii Conference. Office work can often be tedious, from cutting out flyers to sending reminders and scheduling meetings. Yet, Norma approached every task with a joyful heart, fully embodying the spirit of 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (NIV). Her dedication and commitment have left an indelible mark, and she has truly been a shining example of faithful service. While we will deeply miss her presence, we know that the impact of her time here at the Hawaii Conference will continue to be felt for years to come.

 

Jay Warren

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Pastor Jay Warren as he concludes his time serving at the Hawaii Conference. Jay’s journey with us has been marked by unwavering dedication, kindness, and a heart for ministry. Over the past several years, he has served in various roles, from pastor to ministerial director and executive secretary, always bringing his passion for serving others. 

Pastor Jay’s influence in youth ministries and leadership has left a lasting impact, and his friendship and partnership in ministry have been a true blessing. As he and his wife, Dee Dee, retire to Texas to be with family, we celebrate the years of service they have given to God’s work and the countless lives they’ve touched. We will miss him deeply but are excited for this new chapter in his life.